Have you ever questioned whether Christians are still required to keep the Sabbath as part of their obedience to God? The truth lies in understanding what Jesus meant when He said He came to fulfill the Law (Matthew 5:17). In the original Greek, “fulfill” and “abolish” lead to the same conclusion—Jesus fully accomplished the Law’s purpose, making it obsolete for New Testament believers. Let’s break this down and see how Jesus fulfilled the Sabbath, giving us rest in Him.

What Does “Fulfill” Mean in the Greek?

In Matthew 5:17, Jesus said:
“Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill.”

• The Greek word for “fulfill” is πληρόω (plēroō), meaning to complete, bring to fullness, or accomplish. It implies bringing something to its intended purpose.
• The Greek word for “abolish” is καταλύω (katalyō), meaning to destroy, dissolve, or overthrow.

While Jesus said He didn’t come to “abolish” the Law as if He were rejecting it, He completed its purpose and rendered it unnecessary. When something is fulfilled, it reaches its conclusion. The Law, including the Sabbath, was fulfilled in Christ and is no longer binding.

How Jesus Fulfilled the Sabbath

The Sabbath was a shadow of something greater—the eternal rest found in Christ. Here’s how Jesus fulfilled it completely:

1. The Sabbath Was a Temporary Shadow
   • Colossians 2:16-17: “Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ.”
     ➡️ The Sabbath symbolized rest, but Jesus is the true rest for our souls (Matthew 11:28-30).
2. Jesus Finished the Work of Redemption
   • Just as God rested after creation (Genesis 2:2-3), Jesus declared, “It is finished” (John 19:30), completing the work of salvation. His death and resurrection brought eternal rest to those who believe.
3. Jesus Offers Eternal Rest
   • Hebrews 4:9-10: “There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from His.”
     ➡️ This rest is no longer tied to a specific day but to a life of faith in Jesus.
4. The Sabbath Was a Covenant Sign for Israel
   • Exodus 31:16-17: The Sabbath was a sign of the Mosaic Covenant, given specifically to Israel. Since Christians live under the New Covenant (Hebrews 8:13), the Sabbath is no longer required.

What About the Ten Commandments?

While nine of the Ten Commandments are reiterated in the New Testament as moral principles, the command to observe the Sabbath is not. Instead, believers are encouraged to worship and live in daily rest, trusting in Christ’s finished work:

• Romans 14:5-6: “One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind.”
  ➡️ Worship is no longer confined to a specific day but is a daily, Spirit-filled reality.

Freedom from the Law

Jesus’ fulfillment of the Law brought freedom for all who trust in Him:

• Romans 10:4: “Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.”
  ➡️ The Greek word for “end” here is τέλος (telos), meaning completion or conclusion. Jesus brought the Law to its intended purpose.
• Galatians 3:24-25: “The law was our guardian until Christ came, that we might be justified by faith. Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian.”
  ➡️ The Law, including the Sabbath, served as a temporary measure pointing to Christ.

Common Objections Addressed

1. “But the Sabbath Was Instituted at Creation!”
   • While God rested on the seventh day (Genesis 2:2-3), the Sabbath command wasn’t given until Mount Sinai (Nehemiah 9:13-14). It was a covenant sign for Israel, not a universal command for all people.
2. “Doesn’t Matthew 5:18 Say the Law Will Never Pass Away?”
   • Matthew 5:18 says, “Until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished.”
     ➡️ On the cross, Jesus declared, “It is finished” (John 19:30). He fulfilled all that the Law required, rendering it complete.
3. “Didn’t Jesus Keep the Sabbath?”
   • Yes, but Jesus kept the Law because He lived under the Old Covenant (Galatians 4:4). After His resurrection, the New Covenant was established, freeing believers from the Law’s requirements.

Key Takeaways

• The Sabbath was a shadow pointing to the rest found in Christ.
• Jesus fulfilled the Law, including the Sabbath, and brought it to completion.
• Believers find eternal rest in Jesus, not in observing a specific day.
• Worship is no longer limited to one day but is a daily reality under the New Covenant.

Scripture References for Further Study

1. Nehemiah 9:13-14 – The Sabbath revealed at Sinai.
2. Colossians 2:16-17 – The Sabbath as a shadow of Christ.
3. Hebrews 4:1-11 – Jesus as our Sabbath rest.
4. Matthew 11:28-30 – Jesus offers rest to the weary.
5. Romans 10:4 – Christ as the end of the Law.
6. Galatians 3:24-25 – The Law as a guardian until Christ.
7. Exodus 31:16-17 – The Sabbath as a covenant sign for Israel.
8. Romans 14:5-6 – Freedom to honor any day in worship.

The Bottom Line: Jesus didn’t just abolish the Sabbath; He fulfilled it by completing its purpose. True Sabbath rest is found in Him alone.

👉 Share this post to help others understand the freedom we have in Christ! Let’s celebrate the rest we’ve been given in Him!

#JesusOurSabbath #FreedomInChrist #NewCovenantLife #RestInJesus #TruthAboutTheSabbath #FulfilledInChrist